{"id":631331,"date":"2025-02-11T12:34:06","date_gmt":"2025-02-11T17:34:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631331"},"modified":"2026-04-03T13:23:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T17:23:30","slug":"nyquil-and-trazodone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/nyquil-and-trazodone\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you take NyQuil with trazodone?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to nighttime relief from cold and flu symptoms, many people turn to <\/span>NyQuil<\/span><\/a> for relief. It\u2019s available over the counter without a prescription and has active ingredients that not only relieve congestion and cough but also cause drowsiness. But NyQuil isn\u2019t safe for everyone, and it may interact with other medications, including trazodone. Read on for what experts say about taking <\/span>trazodone<\/span><\/a> and NyQuil together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

About trazodone and NyQuil<\/span><\/h2>\n

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of <\/span>major depressive disorder (MDD)<\/span><\/a>, or depression. It\u2019s a generic medication that is also known by the brand name Desyrel (which is no longer available in the United States as a brand-name drug). Trazodone is classified as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). It works by affecting serotonin levels in the body. Due to its sedating properties, healthcare providers may also prescribe trazodone <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> for patients who experience both depression <\/span>and sleep difficulties<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

NyQuil is an OTC medication that relieves nighttime cough and cold symptoms. One of its active ingredients is doxylamine, an antihistamine that causes drowsiness. Doxylamine is in the same class of drugs as <\/span>Benadryl <\/span><\/a>(diphenhydramine), which can also cause drowsiness. Most forms of NyQuil also contain <\/span>acetaminophen<\/span><\/a>, the active ingredient in Tylenol that relieves pain and reduces fever, and <\/span>dextromethorphan<\/span><\/a>, a cough suppressant. When people develop a cold or the flu, healthcare providers may recommend NyQuil to help them rest while dealing with cough and congestion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you take trazodone and NyQuil together?<\/span><\/h2>\n

“For young, healthy individuals taking trazodone as directed, using cold medications like NyQuil is generally not a major concern. If they are also on other antidepressants, their body can typically tolerate the additional cold medication. However, it is always wise to consult a doctor if there are any uncertainties,” says Ryan Sultan<\/a>, MD, double-board certified adult and child psychiatrist at Integrative Psych in New York City<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking NyQuil with trazodone may not be safe for everyone. Both drugs have sedative effects and can influence serotonin levels in the body, causing possible serious side effects. Currently, there are no clinical studies or clinical dosing guidelines for their combined use. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining these medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects of taking NyQuil with trazodone\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Taking trazodone and NyQuil together can potentially lead to several concerning drug interactions because of their actions on serotonin levels and their sedating effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne concern is the potential for <\/span>serotonin syndrome<\/span><\/a>, a condition when a combination of medications taken at certain dosages increases the levels of serotonin in the body to dangerous levels,\u201d explains <\/span>Sean Conrin<\/span><\/a>, MD, a psychiatrist at Cook County Health. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n